KATHMANDU: Nepal News presents today’s snapshot of Nepal’s economic activities. Get quick updates on major market movements, policy shifts, and financial developments shaping the economy of Nepal. Here are the key economic highlights for today.

Share Trading to Resume from September 18

Share trading, suspended due to the Gen-Z protests, will resume on September 18. The Securities Board of Nepal had closed the market following the protests. Even after conditions eased, the closure drew criticism. On Tuesday, the Board instructed that secondary market trading should resume as usual.

Share-Pledged Loans Reach Rs 3.83 Billion in First Month of Current FY

In the first month of current fiscal year alone, banks and financial institutions provided Rs 3.83 billion in share-pledged loans. According to publicly available data from Nepal Rastra Bank, such loans totaled Rs 144.53 billion by the end of the first month of current fiscal year. By the end of last month of last fiscal year, they had reached Rs 140.70 billion. Loans exceeding Rs 10 million alone have crossed Rs 118 billion. Loans above Rs 10 million amounted to Rs 118.80 billion in total.

Government Budget Expenditure Hits 9.17% by End of Bhadra

By September 16 of current fiscal year, government budget expenditure was 9.17%. According to the Office of the Auditor General, in the first two months of the fiscal year, 9.67% of recurrent, 1.56% of capital, and 15.89% of financial management budgets were spent. Of the total Rs 1,964.11 billion budget, Rs 180.17 billion was spent by September 16. Of Rs 1,180.98 billion allocated to recurrent expenditure, Rs 114.18 billion had been used.

Estimated Rs 36 Billion Damage from Gen-Z Protests

Preliminary estimates suggest that industries under the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) suffered about Rs 36 billion in damages due to arson and vandalism during the Gen Z protests. Damage assessment is ongoing, and figures are expected to increase. It is estimated that approximately 15,500 direct jobs were affected across the country.

Deposits in Banks Drop Slightly to Rs 7.208 Trillion

Deposits in banks and financial institutions decreased by Rs 55.79 billion (0.8%) to Rs 7,208.09 billion. According to Nepal Rastra Bank data for the first month of fiscal year 2025/26, deposits during the same period last year had decreased by Rs 43.45 billion (0.7%). On an annual basis, deposits in banks and financial institutions increased by 12.5% by the end of first month of current fiscal year.

Banks Earn Rs 9.37 Billion Profit in First Month of Current FY

Banks and financial institutions earned Rs 9.37 billion profit in the first month of current fiscal year 2025/26. Nepal Rastra Bank and the Financial Institutions Regulation Department released this data. Last fiscal year (2024/25), banks earned Rs 78.80 billion in profit. In the last month of fiscal year 2023/24, profits were Rs 10.16 billion. Interest income and interest expenses both decreased, but higher liquidity and increased competition reduced the spread between deposit and loan rates.

Rs 3.83 Billion Share-Pledged Loans Disbursed in First Month of Current FY

Banks and financial institutions disbursed Rs 3.83 billion in margin-based share-pledged loans in the first month of current fiscal year. According to Nepal Rastra Bank, share-pledged loans increased by Rs 3.83 billion in the first month of current fiscal year, 2.7% higher than the last month of last fiscal year. By mid-August, total share-pledged loans reached Rs 144.53 billion.

Insurance Ratings Under Watch Following Gen Z Protests

Following the Gen Z protests, a dozen companies’ ratings are under close monitoring. ICRA added “Watch with Negative Implication” to six insurance companies, five property-damage companies, and two tourism-related firms. ICRA stated that the general insurance sector’s risk exposure has increased due to recent events, and that even reinsurance companies must bear most of the recent losses.

Nepal–India Border Security Tightened

After the Gen Z movement, the interim government tightened security along the Nepal–India border. Now, Indians entering Nepal and Nepalis going to India must present valid identification. This measure was taken as political leaders could attempt to escape via land routes. Even during the former monarchy, such restrictions were temporarily imposed. Both countries’ security authorities are coordinating to enforce the identification requirement.

Passenger Rush at Gongabu New Buspark

Passenger congestion has started at the New Buspark in Gongabu, Kathmandu. As the major Nepali festivals Vijaya Dashami and Tihar approach, more passengers are arriving at the New Buspark. After the Gen Z protests on September 8-9, Tribhuvan University and its campuses were closed, and students started returning to their home districts. Pankaj Malla, HR head of Lotsa Multipurpose Pvt. Ltd., which operates at New Buspark, stated that passenger congestion has increased.

Ncell’s 20-Year Journey: From 6% to Full Mobile Coverage

When Ncell, formerly known as Mero Mobile, first launched its services, only 6% of Nepal’s population used mobile phones. But today, mobile service access has surpassed 100%. The company has stated that Ncell alone provides telecommunication services to over 14 million people. Established with private sector investment, Ncell is a multinational telecom service provider. With Ncell entering as a strong competitor, the state-owned telecom institutions were also transformed and made their services more efficient and responsive.

Long-Term Solution Demanded for Kodari Eco on Araniko Highway

Stakeholders have demanded a long-term solution for the problems at Kodari Eco in Sindhupalchok’s Bhote Koshi Rural Municipality-2 along the Araniko Highway. They raised this demand with Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Kulman Ghising. Traders and passengers face hardship due to this road every year around Dashain. The difficulties on this road have affected Nepal–China trade through the Tatopani border.

Banana Producers Urge Public Not to Import

Banana producers have appealed not to import bananas as Nepali-produced bananas are sufficient to meet the demand during Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath festivals. Bishnuhari Panta, central chair of the Nepal Banana Producers Federation, stated that banana production in Nepal is currently encouraging, and local produce can adequately meet festival demand. The federation has requested all fruit and vegetable wholesale associations across the country not to import bananas and has formally communicated this.

New Trade Opportunities via Korala in Mustang

Following the start of trade between Nepal and China through Korala border in Mustang, new business opportunities have arisen in Gandaki and Lumbini provinces. With the Tatopani and Rasuwa borders blocked, Nepali traders have started importing Chinese goods and exporting via Korala, through Mustang and Myagdi to Kathmandu. Korala, which was opened on November 13, 2023, only for Mustang residents, has now become operational for commercial trade after two years.

Suntale–Baghkhore Area in Bhojpur Gains Tourist Appeal

The Suntale–Baghkhore area in Bhojpur has become an attractive destination for tourists. This scenic area, close to the district headquarters, has become popular among domestic tourists. Visitors can taste local cuisine, view beautiful mountain ranges, and enjoy panoramic scenery. Along with natural beauty, tourists are visiting to experience cultural diversity. Hotelier Ganesh Tamang stated that a large number of tourists visit daily.

SY Panel IPO to Open on September 23

SY Panel’s IPO will open on September 23. The company plans to issue shares first to industrially affected regions and Nepali working abroad. Although applications were to open from September 14, the sale manager Prabhu Capital clarified that due to unforeseen circumstances, the IPO was postponed. The company plans to issue 40% of its issued capital—52,32,548 shares—worth Rs 1,30,81,37,100 to the general public.

Anand Industries Reports Rs 108.3 Million Trade in FY 2024/25

Anand Industries reported Rs 1.08 billion in trade last fiscal year. In 2024, it reported Rs 913 million, and in 2023 Rs 760 million. The company sells and distributes processed rice under the Revolution brand. The company stated that trade increased by 19% compared to the previous year, driven by higher rice prices and larger volumes.

Gold Price Falls Rs 1,000 per Tola

Gold, which has continuously set new records in the Nepali market, fell by Rs 1,000 per tola. On Wednesday, the gold price dropped to Rs 216,100 per tola. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers Association, gold dropped by Rs 1,000 on Wednesday compared to Tuesday. Today, the silver price also decreased.